Modular rack

ABSTRACT

A stackable storage unit may be vertically stacked for storage and transportation of storable members. The storage unit comprises at least one pair of rails extending in a first direction and having a contoured surface for supporting a surface area of a generally cylindrical storable member. At least two generally vertical walls extend in the first direction on opposing ends of the storage unit. The walls comprise a flat top surface with a plurality of alignment openings therein. A plurality of alignment tongues extending from the bottom of the wall are positioned and configured to engage corresponding alignment openings in an underlying storage unit. A rib structure underlies the rails and connects the walls to the rails. Feet extend below the bottom of the alignment tongues and support the storage unit on a generally flat surface or fit inside the walls of an underlying storage unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates generally to a modular rack for storinggenerally cylindrical storable members, such as water bottles, and morespecifically to stackable storage units having two directional alignmentand interlock features that can be stacked to form a stable,transportable modular rack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally cylindrical water bottles are used in water coolers.These water bottles are typically handled, transported, and stored invarying quantities. For easier handling, transport, and storage, thewater bottles may be loaded in carriers designed to accommodate multiplebottles. To accommodate the varying quantities of bottles, aluminum andplastic modular racks are available comprising carriers designed to bevertically stackable. These modular racks are formed by stacking bottlestorage units or carriers. The storage units have feet extending fromthe bottom of the unit with openings therein and interlockingprojections extending from the top of the unit. The feet can support theunit on the ground or can be interlocked with projections from anotherunit to form a vertical stack.

[0003] Existing modular racks, however, are difficult to align, sinceeach foot must be aligned in space with a corresponding projection sothat the feet of the top unit can be lowered onto the projections of thebottom unit. Alignment becomes more difficult when the units containfull water bottles requiring the use of equipment, such as a forklift tohandle the unit. A further problem with existing modular racks is thatthe interlock feature can be disengaged by shock or vibration duringhandling and transport, damaging water bottles and the rack. Waterbottles can also be damaged by contact with relatively sharp exposedribs in existing modular racks. A still further problem with existingmodular racks is that they are easily damaged by handling equipment,such as forklifts. Yet another problem with existing modular racks isthat they can cause damage to automatic loading equipment if they arenot correctly oriented when stacked, because they are not symmetricalfront to back.

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing modular racks, a needexists for a vertically stackable modular rack that provides ease ofalignment, secure interlocking, optimum bottle protection, and reducedsusceptibility to damage by handling equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To meet these and other needs, and in view of its purposes, anexemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a stackablestorage unit that may be vertically stacked to form a modular rack forstorage and transportation of storable members, such as water bottles.The storage unit comprises at least one pair of rails extending in afirst direction (generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of a waterbottle resting on the pair of rails) and having a contoured surface forsupporting a surface area of a generally cylindrical storable member. Atleast two generally vertical walls extend in the first direction onopposing ends of the storage unit. The walls comprise a flat top surfacewith a plurality of alignment openings therein. A plurality of alignmenttongues extending from the bottom of the wall are positioned andconfigured to engage corresponding alignment openings in an underlyingstorage unit. A connecting structure (e.g., a rib structure) underliesthe rails and connects the walls to the rails. Feet extend to a levelbelow the bottom of the alignment tongues and support the storage uniton a generally flat surface or fit inside the walls of an underlyingstorage unit when stacked.

[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary, butare not restrictive, of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0007] The invention is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It isemphasized that, according to common practice, the various features ofthe drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.Included in the drawing are the following figures:

[0008]FIG. 1 is a stack of storage units according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention with water bottles stored therein;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of a storage unit according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the storage unit shown inFIG. 2;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a side view of two storage units according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing alignment andinterconnect features;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a side view of two storage units according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a feature forpreventing incorrect orientation of a vertically stacked storage unit;

[0013]FIG. 6 is a front view of two storage units showing a primaryalignment groove providing enhanced alignment and interlock functions;

[0014]FIG. 7 is top view of a frame for supporting one or more stackedstorage units according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention; and

[0015]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numbersrefer to like elements throughout, FIG. 1 shows a stack of fourstackable storage units 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. Each storage unit 1 holds a plurality of waterbottles 8, and is interlocked with an underlying storage unit or with aframe 60. The modular rack of the present invention enhances alignmentof vertically stacked storage units, increasing the margin for initialdisplacement, and providing a quicker and easier two-step alignmentprocedure. The modular rack of the present invention also enhancesinterlock stability, reduces bottle damage and reduces stack height.

[0017] When used herein, the following words and phrases have themeaning provided. Left, right, up, upward, above, down, downward, below,underlying, and the like shall indicate that direction when looking atFIG. 1. Front and forward indicate the direction out of FIG. 1, and backand backward indicate the direction into FIG. 1. Lateral indicates theaxis extending from the left to the right of FIG. 1. Vertical indicatesthe axis extending from the bottom to the top of FIG. 1. Longitudinalindicates the axis extending into FIG. 1, being oriented generallyparallel to the axis of generally cylindrical storable members (e.g.,bottles) stored in a storage unit. Inward and inwardly indicates thedirection toward the center of the rack.

[0018] Stackable storage unit 1 as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2and 3 provides optimized protection for bottles stored therein, andenhanced alignment and interlocking capabilities. Storage unit 1 is alsoconfigured to reduce damage by handling equipment, such as forklifts andto reduce damage to automated loading equipment. Generally cylindricalstorable units, such as water bottles are stored in a plurality ofapertures 5. Apertures 5 are bounded by two or more rails 10 having asurface contoured to support a generally cylindrical surface of astorable member (e.g., water bottle). Preferably, a pair of axiallyextending rails 10, oriented essentially parallel to the axes ofapertures 5, define each aperture 5. Two 5-gallon water bottles or three3-gallon water bottles can be stored on each pair of rails 10. Becausethe rails 10 are contoured, the contact a greater surface area of thewater bottles resting on them, reducing any stress in the water bottles,as compared to flat or sharp ribs used in existing modular racks. Also,each pair of contoured rails provide lateral support to the waterbottles, reducing damage that may be caused by lateral shifting of waterbottles during transport and handling. While the exemplary storage unit1 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprises four apertures 5, each boundedby a pair of longitudinally extending rails 10, embodiments having alarger or smaller number of apertures are contemplated. Although rails10 are described and illustrated with reference to generally cylindricalstorable members, rails configured to support the longitudinal surfacesof a generally rectangular storable unit are also contemplated in thepresent invention.

[0019] To enhance alignment of storage unit 1 on an underlying storageunit, alignment features are provided for a two-step, two-directionalalignment. One or more primary alignment tongues 24 extend from storageunit 1 in an essentially vertical direction, preferably upwardly fromstorage unit 1. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, twoprimary alignment tongues 24 extend upwardly from a first wall 20located in the center of storage unit 1. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, primary alignment tongues 24 and firstwall 20 are oriented in a first direction, generally parallel to theaxes of apertures 5. Primary alignment tongues 24 are preferablyupwardly tapered, and may be positioned at the front and back of firstwall 20.

[0020] Storage unit 1 further comprises a primary alignment groove 25.Primary alignment groove 25 is positioned opposite primary alignmenttongues 24. For example, in the embodiment of storage unit 1 illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 3, where primary alignment tongues 25 extend upwardlyfrom first wall 20, primary alignment groove 25 is positioned in thebottom of storage unit 1, positioned directly under first wall 20.Primary alignment groove 25 has a relatively wide initial opening whichtapers to an opening that is sized to provide a relatively tight fitover primary alignment tongues 24 from an underlying storage unit.

[0021] In use, storage unit 1 is positioned above an underlying storageunit such that alignment groove 25 is positioned approximately over andoriented approximately parallel to primary alignment tongues 24 from anunderlying storage unit. As storage unit 1 is lowered onto an underlyingstorage unit, alignment tongues 24 from the underlying storage unitenter the tapered portion of alignment groove 25. The taper in alignmentgroove 25 self-aligns storage unit 1 with the underlying storage unit bylaterally centering alignment groove 25 on alignment tongues at thefront and back of the underlying storage unit. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, primary alignment features 24and 25 allow an overlying storage unit to be laterally displacedrelative to an underlying storage unit by up to an inch.

[0022] Storage unit 1 further comprises at least two generally verticalsecond walls 30 disposed on opposing lateral ends of storage unit 1.Second walls 30 extend in the first direction, (i.e., longitudinally).As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, access openings 31 may be provided in secondwalls 30 to allow access to water bottles stored in storage unit 1.Second walls 30 comprise a flat top surface or sliding face 32 with aplurality of alignment openings 35 therein. A plurality of secondaryalignment tongues 34 extend downwardly from the bottom of second walls30. Secondary alignment tongues 34 are positioned and configured toengage corresponding alignment openings 35 in an underlying storageunit. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, alignment openings 35 preferably extendpartially into second walls 30 toward apertures 5, and are each boundedby an outside face 39 (i.e., facing away from first wall 20). As shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, alignment openings 35 may be open to the outsidesurface 38 of second walls 30, exposing outside faces 39 (shown in FIG.3).

[0023] Secondary alignment tongues 34 may be tapered to provide ease ofengagement with alignment openings 35, and preferably terminate in aflat surface 36. In an engaged position, secondary alignment tongues 34extend into alignment openings 35 and abut outside faces 39 of secondwalls 30, locking vertically stacked storage units together such thatstorage unit 1 is restrained from moving laterally or horizontally withrespect to an underlying storage unit.

[0024] Feet 46 extend downwardly from the bottom of storage unit 1 andsupport storage unit 1 when it is resting on a generally flat surface,such as a floor or the ground. Feet 46 extend below alignment tongues34, protecting alignment tongues 34 from wear and damage from contactwith the ground. Feet 46 may be located adjacent alignment tongues 34with an opening between corresponding feet 46 and alignment tongues 34to receive second wall 30 at the locations of alignment openings 35.Primary alignment tongues 24 and primary alignment groove 25 aredisposed to engage before alignment tongues 34 and alignment openings 35when vertically stacked storage units are brought together. In this way,alignment tongues 34 are aligned to alignment openings 35 in a lateraldirection by primary alignment features 24 and 25.

[0025] Alignment of vertically stacked storage units may be performed ina two-step procedure. Accordingly, primary alignment tongues 24 of anunderlying storage unit may be engaged in primary alignment groove 25 ofan overlying storage unit, to provide lateral alignment in a first step.Primary alignment groove 25 is tapered to self-center over primaryalignment tongues 24. In the first step, primary alignment groove 25 maybe displaced by almost half of its initial width (about one inch) fromalignment with primary alignment tongues 24, and alignment tongues 34may be displaced from alignment openings 35 in the longitudinaldirection by a margin of up to about ten inches. When alignment tongues34 are longitudinally displaced relative to alignment openings 35, flatsurface 36 of alignment tongues 34 rest on sliding surface 32 of secondwalls 30.

[0026] In a second step of the two-step procedure, the overlying storageunit is slid longitudinally forward or backward until the alignmenttongues 34 of the overlying storage unit align with the alignmentopenings 35 of the underlying storage unit. When alignment tongues 34are aligned with alignment openings 35, gravity causes the alignmenttongues to engage in the alignment openings interlocking the verticallystacked storage units. Because the flat surface 36 on the bottom ofalignment tongues 34 slides on the flat sliding surface 32 on the top ofsecond walls 30, there is very little friction, and sliding can beaccomplished with a small longitudinal force. Alignment tongues 34 areheld on sliding surface 32 by engagement of self-centering primaryalignment groove 25 over primary alignment tongues 24.

[0027] In the two-step alignment procedure, lateral alignment can beaccomplished without simultaneously controlling longitudinal alignmentin the first step, and longitudinal alignment can be accomplishedwithout simultaneously controlling lateral alignment. Because eachalignment axis can be addressed separately, the two-step alignmentprocedure (slide and lock) is easy to perform and requires minimal timeand provides greater margins for initial displacement during alignment.

[0028] Each pair of rails is connected together and interconnected tothe first and second walls by a rib structure 50. Rib structure 50 isdisposed under rails 10 such that rib structure 50 does not contact astorable member supported by rails 10. Rib structure 50 comprises aninterconnected network of generally vertical ribs providing verticalsupport to rails 10 as well as maintaining the position and alignment ofrails 10, first wall 20, and second walls 30 relative to each other. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, rib structure 50 may have openings between thevertical ribs, reducing material, weight, and cost of storage unit 10.

[0029] Rib structure 50 may be contoured to define a top portion ofapertures 5, reducing the clearance between water bottles stored on anunderlying storage unit and an overlying storage unit. Accordingly, themaximum bounce of a water bottle due to vibration in transport andhandling is reduced, as well as, damage resulting from such bounce.

[0030] Storage unit 10 may comprise a variety of materials having theappropriate strength for supporting a plurality of storable units. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, storage unit 10 comprisespolycarbonate, and is formed by an injection molding process.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, an overlying storage unit 10A is alignedin the lateral direction and displaced in the longitudinal directionrelative to an underlying storage unit 10B. As shown in FIG. 4, flatsurfaces 36 of alignment tongues 34 rest on sliding face 32 of secondwall 30. Storage units 10A and 10B are between the first and secondsteps of the two-step alignment procedure described herein. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, a forklift operator can landoverlying storage unit 10A within about one inch of alignment withunderlying storage unit 10B in the lateral direction and within aboutten inches in the longitudinal direction. The self-centering primaryalignment groove (not shown) will self-center on primary alignmenttongues (not shown) bringing alignment tongues 34 of overlying storageunit 10A to rest on sliding surface 32 of underlying storage unit 10B.The forklift operator can then slide overlying storage unit 10A onsliding surface 32 of underlying storage unit 10B until alignmenttongues 34 engage or interlock with alignment opening 35 of underlyingstorage unit 10B.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, alignment tongues 34 may be variablyspaced or sized to prevent interlocking of vertically stacked storageunits that are incorrectly oriented. Incorrect orientation can causedamage to automatic handling equipment by collision with non-symmetricalfeatures of storage units 10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, alignment tongues 34 have different spacing so that they can notbe simultaneously engaged when they are incorrectly oriented, as shown.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 6, the interlock features of an exemplaryembodiment of the invention provide interlock stability. Second walls 30of underlying storage unit 10B are trapped between alignment tongues 34and feet 46 of overlying storage unit 10A. Primary alignment tongues 24of underlying storage unit 10B are trapped in primary alignment groove25 of overlying storage unit 10A. Because alignment tongues 34, feet 46,and primary alignment groove 25 do not support overlying storage unit10A when stacked, they do not affect the stack height of verticallystacked storage units. Accordingly, the length of engagement of thesestructures can be increased without adversely affecting the stack heightof a stack of storage units. Increased engagement length providesgreater interlock stability. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a storage rack can be bounced up to 2.75 inches and return toa fully interlocked position, providing interlock stability duringtransportation and handling of the storage units and modular rackscomprising vertically stacked storage units. Also, because second wall30 of underlying storage unit 10B is received in an opening between feet46 and alignment tongues 34 of overlying storage unit 10A, pivoting byoverlying storage unit 10A during transport or handling, as shown inFIG. 6 dpoes not disturb the interlocking of storage units 10A and 10B.Second wall 30 of underlying storage unit 10B remains in the openingbetween feet 46 and alignment tongues 34 of overlying storage unit 10A.

[0034] Another advantage of the present invention is that stack heightcan remain essentially constant over the life of a storage unit. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, as described above, feet 46 donot affect stack height. Accordingly, dimensional changes of feet 46 dueto wear will not change the stack height of vertically stacked storageunits. This allows storage units to be dimensioned for a closer fit atthe top of vertically stored water bottles, limiting the height to whichwater bottles can bounce during transport and handling, and therebyreducing damage to the water bottles. A constant stack height also makesthe use of automated loading equipment easier, because the automatedequipment does not have to compensate for stack height variations.

[0035] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that theoverall stack height of a modular rack can be maintained at a desirable(minimum) height. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, stackheight can be maintained at 105.5 inches for a stack of eight storageunits. This stack height allows a stack of eight storage units to beeasily loaded in a standard 110 inch truck. Reduced stack height alsofacilitates easier handling of vertically stacked storage units.

[0036] The modular rack of the present invention may further comprise aframe 60, as shown in FIG. 1 and illustrated in greater detail in FIGS.7 and 8. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, simulatedprimary alignment tongues 124 and simulated second walls 130 areprovided for engagement with primary alignment groove 25 and alignmenttongue 34 and feet 46 of a storage unit 10 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).Support pads 170 are disposed to support rib structure 50 of storageunit 10. Snap fingers 180 engage storage unit 10 when it is lowered ontoframe 60. The bottom of frame 60 has continuous smooth ribs 190,allowing frame 60 and storage units 10 stacked thereon to be transportedon a conveyor roller.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2, rib structure 50 is recessed at thefront of storage unit 1. Ribs or other structures which are generally atthe level of storable members as they are loaded on a storage rack andunloaded from the storage rack can come into contact with the storablemembers as they slide into and out of storage apertures. The recessedrib structure reduces damage to storable members and labels on thestorable members during loading and unloading of the storable members.

[0038] Longitudinal rails 10 may be continuous to maintain longitudinalalignment of storable members during loading and unloading. Thislongitudinal alignment prevents storable members from turning or cockingin the rack during loading and unloading. This feature provides improvedloading and unloading and reduced damage to storable members compared toracks with generally transverse supports that allow storable members toturn and jam during loading and unloading.

[0039] To prevent water bottles from sliding longitudinally on rails 10,friction plugs 200 may be installed on rails 10, as shown in FIG. 2.Friction plugs may, for example, comprise rubber, plastic, or othermaterial, preferably providing a high coefficient of friction. Frictionplugs may be installed on rails 10 with adhesive, snapped into holesformed in rails 10, or attached using other techniques appropriate tothe materials used for rails 10 and friction plugs 200.

[0040] To reduce damage to water bottles and the modular rack byhandling equipment such as forklifts, storage unit 10 may compriseforklift pockets 300, as shown in FIG. 2. Forklift pockets 300 provide aspecific location to drive the fork of a forklift, and provideadditional clearance from water bottles stored in an underlying storageunit. Because forklift pockets 300 provide a specific location forforklift forks, forklift pockets 300 can be easily reinforced. Forkliftpocket 300 may be provided with wide lead-in radii to direct the forksinto the opening. To prevent the rack from sliding off the blades of aforklift, forklift pockets may have mounted thereon forklift frictionplugs (not shown) similar to the friction plugs 200 (in FIG. 2).

[0041] Although illustrated and described above with reference tocertain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless notintended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, variousmodifications may be made in the details within the scope and range ofequivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A stackable storage unit, comprising: at least onepair of rails extending in a first direction and having a contouredsurface for supporting a surface area of a storable member; at least twogenerally vertical walls extending in the first direction disposed onopposing ends of the storage unit, the walls comprising a flat topsurface with a plurality of alignment openings therein and a pluralityof alignment tongues extending from the bottom of the wall, thealignment tongues positioned and configured to engage correspondingalignment openings in an underlying storage unit; a rib structureunderlying the rails and connecting the walls to the rails; and feetsized and configured to extend below the bottom of the alignment tonguesand to support the storage unit on a generally flat surface andpositioned to fit inside the walls of an underlying storage unit.
 2. Thestorage unit of claim 1 wherein the feet and the alignment tongues forminterlock grooves that receive the walls of an underlying storage unit,restraining the walls in a second direction essentially perpendicular tothe first direction.
 3. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein thealignment opening is enclosed by the wall on three sides.
 4. The storageunit of claim 1 wherein the at least two generally vertical walls haveopenings therein to allow access to the storable member.
 5. The storageunit of claim 1 wherein the rib structure has openings therein to allowaccess to the storable member.
 6. The storage unit of claim 1 whereinthe rails are continuous to prevent storable members from jamming duringloading and unloading.
 7. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the ribstructure is recessed at the front of the storage unit.
 8. A stackablestorage unit, comprising: a plurality of storage apertures, each boundedby two or more rails having a contoured surface to support curvedsurface areas of one or more storable members; a first wallinterconnected with the rails and extending to an elevation above thestorage apertures and terminating in one or more primary alignmenttongues; a self-centering primary alignment groove disposed directlybelow the one or more primary alignment tongues and configured toreceive a first alignment tongue from an underlying storage unit, theprimary alignment groove centering the storage unit over the underlyingstorage unit and restraining the storage unit in a first direction; andat least one second wall interconnected with the rails and first walland extending to an elevation above the storage apertures andterminating at its top in a sliding face having two or more secondaryalignment openings therein and at its bottom in two or more secondaryalignment tongues extending downwardly from the at least one second walland terminating in a flat surface configured to slide on a sliding faceof the underlying storage unit, the two or more secondary alignmenttongues configured to engage in corresponding secondary alignmentopenings in the underlying storage unit and restrain the storage unit ina second direction essentially perpendicular to the first direction. 9.The storage unit of claim 8 wherein the storage unit comprises a bottomsurface contoured to form a top of the storage apertures of theunderlying storage unit.
 10. The storage unit of claim 8 wherein theapertures are non-continuous, horizontal cylinders open to a front ofthe storage unit for removing generally cylindrical storable memberstherefrom.
 11. The storage unit of claim 10 wherein each aperture isconfigured and sized to hold two, five-gallon water bottles.
 12. Thestorage unit of claim 10 wherein each aperture is configured and sizedto hold three, three-gallon water bottles.
 13. The storage unit of claim8 further comprising a rib structure interconnecting the rails, firstwall and one or more second walls, the rib structure comprisingreinforced, tapered fork lift openings to prevent damage from handlingthe storage unit with a forklift.
 14. The storage unit of claim 13further comprising friction plugs mounted on the rails to preventstorable units from sliding on the rails.
 15. The storage unit of claim13 further comprising forklift friction plugs mounted on the forkliftpockets to prevent storable units from sliding off the forklift.
 16. Thestorage unit of claim 8 comprising two second walls positioned at eachof two ends of the storage unit with the first wall centered between thesecond walls.
 17. The storage unit of claim 16 further comprising feetintegral with the rib structure and configured to support the storageunit on a generally flat surface and positioned to fit inside of thesecond walls of an underlying storage unit.
 18. The storage unit ofclaim 17 wherein the feet and the secondary alignment tongue forminterlock grooves therebetween receiving the second walls of anunderlying storage unit.
 19. The storage unit of claim 8 furthercomprising a frame mounted under the storage unit and configured for useon a roller conveyor.
 20. The storage unit of claim 19 wherein the framesnaps onto the storage unit.
 21. An interlock mechanism for aligning andrestraining a first storage unit on a second storage unit, comprising:An plurality of openings in the top surface of a generally vertical wallof the second storage unit, enclosed in the forward, backward and inwarddirections by the wall; A plurality of tongues on the bottom of agenerally vertical wall of the first storage unit corresponding to andpositioned and configured to engage the openings in the top surface of agenerally vertical wall of the second storage unit; and Feet integralwith the first storage unit and configured and positioned to extendbelow the tongues on the first storage unit and to fit inside thegenerally vertical wall of the second storage unit; the tongues and feetforming an interlock groove for receiving the generally vertical wall ofthe second storage unit.
 22. A water-bottle storage unit stackable on anunderlying water-bottle storage unit, comprising: a plurality of storageapertures defined by two or more rails contoured to support curvedsurface areas of one or more water-bottles; a center wall extending toan elevation above the storage apertures and terminating in one or moretapered alignment tongues; two side walls extending to an elevationabove the storage apertures, each terminating in a sliding face havingtwo or more alignment openings; a rib structure underlying the aperturesand interconnecting the rails and walls; a tapered first alignmentgroove positioned below the center wall and configured to self-align thestorage unit to the underlying storage unit and to receive the firsttongue of the underlying storage unit to prevent lateral movement of thestorage unit relative to the underlying storage unit; a plurality ofsecond alignment tongues extending from the bottom of the side walls andcorresponding to the alignment openings of the underlying storage unitto engage the alignment openings of the underlying storage unit toprevent forward and backward movement of the storage unit relative tothe underlying storage unit.
 23. The water-bottle storage unit of claim22 wherein the alignment openings are unequal in size to preventincorrect orientation of the storage unit.
 24. The water-bottle storageunit of claim 22 wherein each side wall terminates in a sliding facehaving three or more alignment openings; the alignment openings beingunequally spaced to prevent incorrect orientation of the storage unit.25. The water-bottle storage unit of claim 22 further comprising feetextending downwardly to a point below the second alignment tongues forsupporting the storage unit on a generally flat surface.
 26. Thewater-bottle storage unit of claim 25 wherein the feet fit inside of thewalls of the underlying storage unit.
 27. A method of stacking modularstorage units comprising the steps of: Positioning a firstself-centering alignment groove in a top storage unit over a firstalignment tongue integral to a generally vertical wall of a bottomstorage unit to restrain the storage units in alignment in a firstdirection; and Sliding the top storage unit in a second directionessentially perpendicular to the first direction to engage a pluralityof second alignment tongues extending from the bottom of the top storageunit with second alignment openings formed in one or more generallyvertical walls of the bottom storage unit to restrain the storage unitsin alignment in the second direction.
 28. The method of claim 27 whereinthe generally vertical walls of the bottom storage unit are captured byinterlock grooves formed between feet on the top storage unit extendinside the generally vertical walls of the bottom storage unit and thesecondary alignment tongues; and wherein the top storage unit isprevented from dislodging from the bottom storage unit by the interlockgrooves and the self-centering primary alignment groove.